Retired at 52, out 5 years now

Walt34 · 12-18-2007, 04:44 PM

I retired five years ago after 29 years in law enforcement. The retirement plan I'm under they stopped offering in 1978 when some fool accountant/actuary took a look at the numbers and fainted.

We have 100% COLAS! I don't think they "make those anymore".

Medical & prescription coverage for life for 30% of the premium (when working I paid 20%). That becomes secondary to Medicare at 65.

Zero debt, own the house, and a comfortable amount in savings/deferred compensation accounts. Not wealthy by a long shot but I'm pretty sure we'll never be eating Alpo.

First year was like being on vacation - moved to a less congested area, the panhandle of West Virginia. Then got bored, didn't want to commit to a job, helped a friend build an airplane. Started looking for a part-time job but nothing looked interesting - I am NOT working retail, did that in college and hated it. So I bought a boat and went fishing.

dex · 12-18-2007, 05:33 PM

Congrats and welcome - I'm 52 and only out 1.5 years. I think you'll like the fishing here.

Retire Soon · 12-18-2007, 06:46 PM

Walt34, congratulations on your ER. Your insurance is unheard of by today's standards and having your home paid off is a plus. Like Dex, I've been out only 1.5 years. I am now 56. Welcome to the forum!

template · 12-18-2007, 08:10 PM

Welcome to the forums, Walt34. With your generous pension and retirement benefits, you've got it made. Stick around and enjoy the banter.

Purron · 12-18-2007, 08:25 PM

Hi all,

I'm 52 and am taking early retirement in just two weeks. I've done all the math and feel our plan is solid. After working for over 30 years, however, this is a rather daunting step to take. I'm glad to hear from some folks who took the plunge and are happy to have done so!

Rambler · 12-18-2007, 09:16 PM

Welcome. I've got 18 months to go. Look forward to reading your experiences!

R

pentang.fog · 12-21-2007, 02:39 PM

Congrats from here, too, hopefully I'll be following in those steps soon, looking forward to relaxing and practicing my guitar licks.

12-18-2007, 04:44 PM	#1
Walt34 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: WV Panhandle Posts: 1,225	Retired at 52, out 5 years now I retired five years ago after 29 years in law enforcement. The retirement plan I'm under they stopped offering in 1978 when some fool accountant/actuary took a look at the numbers and fainted. We have 100% COLAS! I don't think they "make those anymore". Medical & prescription coverage for life for 30% of the premium (when working I paid 20%). That becomes secondary to Medicare at 65. Zero debt, own the house, and a comfortable amount in savings/deferred compensation accounts. Not wealthy by a long shot but I'm pretty sure we'll never be eating Alpo. First year was like being on vacation - moved to a less congested area, the panhandle of West Virginia. Then got bored, didn't want to commit to a job, helped a friend build an airplane. Started looking for a part-time job but nothing looked interesting - I am NOT working retail, did that in college and hated it. So I bought a boat and went fishing.

12-18-2007, 05:33 PM	#2
dex Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 3,058	Congrats and welcome - I'm 52 and only out 1.5 years. I think you'll like the fishing here. __________________ Sometimes death is not as tragic as not knowing how to live. This man knew how to live--and how to make others glad they were living. - Jack Benny at Nat King Cole's funeral

12-18-2007, 08:10 PM	#4
template Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 141	Welcome to the forums, Walt34. With your generous pension and retirement benefits, you've got it made. Stick around and enjoy the banter. __________________ Retired in 2001 at age 49.

12-18-2007, 08:25 PM	#5
Purron Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 754	Hi all, I'm 52 and am taking early retirement in just two weeks. I've done all the math and feel our plan is solid. After working for over 30 years, however, this is a rather daunting step to take. I'm glad to hear from some folks who took the plunge and are happy to have done so! __________________ I purr therefore I am.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

12-18-2007, 06:46 PM	#3
Retire Soon Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 535	Walt34, congratulations on your ER. Your insurance is unheard of by today's standards and having your home paid off is a plus. Like Dex, I've been out only 1.5 years. I am now 56. Welcome to the forum!

12-18-2007, 09:16 PM	#6
Rambler Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 744	Welcome. I've got 18 months to go. Look forward to reading your experiences! R

12-21-2007, 02:39 PM	#7
pentang.fog Dryer sheet wannabe Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 14	Congrats from here, too, hopefully I'll be following in those steps soon, looking forward to relaxing and practicing my guitar licks.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
How many years have you been retired?	Martha	Other topics	25	11-30-2007 03:03 PM
Are you retired?	JustCurious	FIRE and Money	31	01-06-2007 04:09 PM
Proposed tripling of TRICARE Retired premiums over 3 years!	Nords	FIRE and Money	19	12-15-2005 10:26 AM
58, retired 3 years	HBH	Hi, I am...	1	09-14-2005 11:54 AM
Retired Early for 6 years!	arrete	Life after FIRE	6	10-07-2004 11:48 AM